Just to follow up - I want to address the timing question. Since we're still early in the FAFSA cycle for 2025-2026 aid, making this correction now shouldn't negatively impact your aid timeline as long as you do it promptly. Schools typically don't finalize aid packages until late spring/early summer, so you have some time. But don't delay - the sooner you correct it, the sooner your accurate SAI will be calculated.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm a parent who just went through the FAFSA process for the first time and I can't believe how confusing some of these sections are. The family size question seems straightforward but there are so many edge cases - like do you count yourself if you're married filing separately, or what about dependents who are over 18 but still in high school? I ended up calling the helpline twice just to make sure I had it right. For anyone else who might be unsure, the FAFSA website has a pretty good worksheet that walks you through who to include in your household size. Better to double-check than end up in Oliver's situation!

Just to add some positivity - we had the exact same issue with my husband not getting the contributor email. Turned out I had entered his old work email that he rarely checks. Once I updated the email in my FAFSA and resent the invitation, he got it right away and completed his section in about 10 minutes. The system processed our application within 5 days after that and we got our SAI score. Don't panic yet!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My mom got her contributor email immediately but my stepdad has been waiting over a week. After reading through all these responses, I'm realizing there might be multiple issues at play. For anyone else struggling with this: 1. Check for typos in the email address (like Lara found with the .con vs .com issue) 2. Have the missing parent create an FSA ID anyway and check their dashboard 3. Use the "Invite Contributor" button to manually resend 4. Check the application status to confirm both parents are actually listed as contributors The new FAFSA system definitely has some bugs, but it seems like most people eventually get it resolved. Fingers crossed for all of us dealing with this stress! The timing pressure with scholarship deadlines makes it so much worse.

UPDATE: His account was finally validated this morning! Took exactly 8 business days. For anyone having the same issue, definitely check your spam folder - that's where we found the confirmation email. Thanks everyone for the reassurance and advice. Now onto actually completing the FAFSA application!

Congratulations on getting through the validation process! This thread is really helpful for understanding the current timeline. I'm a new member here and my daughter is just starting her FAFSA journey for next year. It's reassuring to see that 8 business days seems to be pretty normal right now, even though it's longer than the official 3-5 days they advertise. The tip about checking spam folders is gold - I'll make sure she sets up her email properly from the start. Thanks for sharing your experience and keeping us updated!

Based on all the discussion here, your next steps should be: 1. Contact your daughter's financial aid office to explain the full situation 2. Ask specifically about the Dependency Override process (this allows exceptions to normal dependency rules) 3. Gather documentation of your support (tax returns showing you claimed her, proof of residence, etc.) 4. Be honest about the misunderstanding regarding independent status While the -$1500 SAI is favorable, maintaining eligibility requires resolving the dependency status question correctly. Most schools have a process for unusual family circumstances like yours, and being proactive will prevent bigger problems down the road.

Just wanted to add - when you do contact the financial aid office, ask them specifically about their "unusual circumstances" or "special conditions" process. Many schools have streamlined procedures for situations like yours where there's been informal guardianship without legal adoption. They deal with this more often than you might think! Also, keep in mind that even if she does need to file as dependent with your income, a -$1500 SAI suggests your household income is quite low, so she'd likely still qualify for significant need-based aid. The key is getting everything documented properly so there are no surprises later in the process.

Thank you all so much for the helpful responses! I'm feeling much more informed now. I'm going to: 1. Try using that Claimyr service to speak with an FSA representative for official guidance 2. Contact financial aid offices at her top schools for preliminary estimates 3. Look into both public and private options since aid can vary significantly 4. Start applying for outside scholarships 5. Prepare documentation for a possible appeal if we have special circumstances It's reassuring to hear that an SAI of 11,158 doesn't automatically mean no aid. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

You're taking all the right steps! One additional tip - when you contact those financial aid offices, ask specifically about their "professional judgment" process. As a single parent, if you have any documentation showing your financial situation is more challenging than what appears on the FAFSA (like high living costs in your area, recent job changes, or unreimbursed expenses), many schools can make adjustments that could improve your aid package. Also, don't forget to complete the CSS Profile if any of her schools require it - some private colleges use that for additional institutional aid beyond what the FAFSA determines. Best of luck to your daughter!